Deakin University partners with Infosys on skills and innovation

Deakin University has joined with global technology provider Infosys in a new research, innovation and skills development partnership to be based out of Geelong.

Global technology services and consulting firm Infosys and Victoria’s Deakin University have agreed to a new partnership which will see Infosys bring its ‘Living Labs’ concept to Deakin’s Geelong campus. Meanwhile, the pair will seek to explore commercial opportunities through DeakinCo, the university’s workplace training and advisory arm.

“This is co-innovation at its best and demonstrates our continued investment in driving innovation and building digital skills in Victoria,” said Infosys Vice President and Regional Head for Delivery and Operations, Ashok Mysore, who was present at the signing alongside Deakin Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin and Michelle Wade, Commissioner for South Asia at state government trade agency Global Victoria.

Infosys describes its Living Labs model as ‘innovation-as-a-service’ – a sustained engagement that in combining strong design skills with business and emerging technology expertise helps clients to innovate at scale, with support in areas such as trend sensing, ideation, end-user input and rapid prototyping.

In 2019, the firm selected Melbourne for its first specialised 5G Living Lab based outside of India.

According to a press release, Infosys through its Living Lab will in particular contribute to Deakin’s Geelong-based innovation ecosystem in the areas of energy, utilities, ICT, and smart manufacturing while working with incubators and on research projects – with a focus on bringing new solutions to market. The parties intend to soon submit a co-investment proposal to the state government to back the the new venture.

A further component of the agreement will focus on digital skills, aimed at developing “a talent pool for the ICT, digital and consulting sector in consultation with the Victorian government”. In addition, Deakin will allocate PhD scholarships in coordination with Infosys in specific areas of mutual interest, with Infosys in turn providing employment and internship opportunities for Deakin graduates and students.

“The establishment of the Infosys Living Labs in regional Victoria is another step forward for the University and the region and will help develop the local community through the creation of new products and services and enhancing job opportunities,” Vice-Chancellor Martin said.“At Deakin we pride ourselves on the strength of our industry collaborations and our openness to new ideas and ways of doing.”